(Editor's Note: Due to space constraints, this is Part I of the annual Year in Review. Part II will appear in next week's issue.)

Compiled by Carisa Keane

January

Alfano Sworn-In,

Promoted in Assembly

Fresh off his landslide victory in the November 2004 election, Assemblyman Tom Alfano was sworn into office at the State Capitol and promoted in the Assembly leadership. Alfano not only took the top seat on the Assembly Judiciary Committee, he led the Nassau Assembly delegation to Albany and was a senior Long Island assemblyman on the Assembly Labor Committee.

"This is an exciting day and I'm really happy about having these new duties, which means I'll be able to do even more for our communities," Alfano said. "My constituency is made up of working class families who work hard and this position will allow me to deliver more services and attain the resources our neighborhoods need."

Hundreds Attended 'First Day, First Light' Celebration

Some thousand local residents visited Centennial Hall (formerly known as the Masonic Temple) New Year's Day during "First Day, First Light" festivities. Residents awaited the lighting of the restored bronze art deco globe and new Centennial Tulip light box with the name Floral Park 1908, the year Floral Park became an incorporated village. Village Historian Walter Gosden restored the fixture with assistance from Village Electrician George Gustafsson.

Senate Released 'Smarter, Safer ...

But Still in Bull's-Eye'

Forty months after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, New York was smarter and safer but still in the crosshairs, according to a Senate report.

"New York is still in the bull's-eye, despite all that state government has done to make us safer," Senator Michael Balboni, author of the report and chair of the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, which issued the report, said. "Since the state continues to be high on the list of terrorist targets, we need to do more to protect the people of New York."

The report, "Smarter, Safer ... But Still in Bull's-Eye," cited several state laws passed in 2004 that improved New York's ability to protect its citizens from terrorism. It also discussed areas where the state was vulnerable to terrorist attacks and made recommendations to shore up those weaknesses.

Paralyzed NYC

Detective Related

His Personal Journey

To Students

Floral Park Memorial High School students learned, firsthand, about non-violent conflict resolution and forgiveness during an important school assembly Jan. 12, led by paralyzed New York City Police Officer Steven McDonald and his biographer, author and teen counselor, Christoph Arnold.

Years ago, Arnold met Detective McDonald and together they created Project Breaking The Cycle. Their joint appearance at Floral Park Memorial was part of their unique and ongoing partnership for reconciliation. Such a partnership has taken them to schools around the country and the world.

Detective McDonald was shot in Central Park in 1996 while questioning three teens. He had been married less than a year and his wife was two months pregnant at the time of the incident. The shooting left McDonald paralyzed from the neck down, confined to a wheelchair and the use a tracheotomy to breathe. Detective McDonald shared his personal journey through anguish and anger to forgiveness and peace. He told of how he forgave his young assailant and even corresponded with him.

FP High's Varsity

Kickline Team

Won Championship

The Floral Park Memorial High School varsity kickline team won the Long Island Challenge Kickline Championship. The Floral Park girls placed first in the kick division to out-distance their nearest competition - Huntington High School and Lynbrook High School. The Long Island Challenge is the first of four events sponsored by Scholastic Kickline and took place at the Nassau Community College gymnasium Jan. 16. Thirty-six teams participated in the first round of events.

Suozzi's Plan No Pie

In the Sky Idea

"We need a new vision," County Executive Tom Suozzi said during a special meeting Jan. 25 at Hofstra University. "A vision that protects our suburban dream, preserves our quality of life and expands our tax base."

His goal: turn the Nassau HUB, which he says has been disjointed for 25 years, into the "Nassau Centre," which could be home to new jobs and new commercial tax revenues. The county executive discussed different modes of transportation, pedestrian and bicycle greenway connections that could link culture, education and recreation as well as commercial and retail nodes and a new central business district he dubbed the Hempstead Turnpike Oval. Suozzi's most important focus, however, is on the new Nassau Centre - from Mineola to Roosevelt Field Mall and Eisenhower Park, down to the Nassau Coliseum, EAB Plaza, Nassau Community College over to Museum Row and Hofstra University, Mitchel Field Industrial Park in Uniondale and downtown Hempstead, back up through Garden City and returning to Mineola.

The Crack Down on

Illegal Housing

At a press conference Jan. 18, then Nassau County District Attorney (DA) Denis Dillon and Harvey Levinson, chairman of the Nassau County Board of Assessors, announced plans to utilize the prosecutorial and investigative resources of the DA's office to assist Nassau County's town and city governments in the prosecution of illegal housing.

Dillon agreed on a plan to supplement the efforts of town attorneys engaged in detecting and prosecuting illegal housing cases within the Towns of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, Hempstead and the Cities of Glen Cove and Long Beach. The DA's office agreed to help execute existing bench warrants and assist in identifying and locating the owners of the most egregious offenders in the Town of Hempstead. Pertaining to the Oyster Bay and North Hempstead Towns as well as Glen Cove and Long Beach, the DA's office agreed to assist by investigating and prosecuting the owners of multiple family dwellings.

Levinson was honored that the former district attorney embraced his suggestion "to use the power, prestige and resources of his office to assist local governments in combating the huge, black-market illegal housing industry in Nassau County."

Supervisor Jon Kaiman Called State of the

Town 'Great'

Despite the bitter cold, over 150 constituents, community leaders and elected and appointed officials gathered Jan. 27 to hear North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman deliver his State of the Town address. In summary, Supervisor Kaiman said, "The state of the Town of North Hempstead is good. In fact, it is great and getting better all the time."

Supervisor Jon Kaiman described a bright outlook for the town and shared his plans for the future with constituents, community leaders and elected and appointed officials.

February

Grassroots Effort Aimed to Stop LIRR Project Dead

In Its Tracks

The Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) proposal to construct a 10.5 mile third track on the Main Line from Bellerose to Hicksville, which would run through Floral Park, got many local community groups up in arms. A grassroots effort ensued in hopes to stop this project dead in its tracks.

Then Floral Park Deputy Mayor Phil Guarnieri, chair of the village's Long Island Rail Road Third Track Task Force Committee - created to further probe the issue, urged local organizations to conduct a vote of their membership in opposition. Responding to a request from Deputy Mayor Guarnieri, the Citizens Party Executive Committee, which represents the village's 13 districts, unanimously passed the resolution at their January meeting.

Union Declared Impasse

Over Contract Dispute

Negotiations between the Incorporated Village of Floral Park and the CSEA, New York's leading union representing 105 employees working for Floral Park, including clerks, librarians, dispatchers, mechanics, cleaners, mechanical equipment operators and crossing guards, reached a resounding stalemate and the union declared an impasse over the dispute.

CSEA officials hoped the intervention of a neutral third party would have brought both sides to a fair agreement. The formal declaration of impasse moved the negotiating process to mediation, where a Public Employment Relations Board (PERB)-appointed neutral mediator met with both parties in an attempt to reach a compromise.

CSEA Village of Floral Park Unit President Steven Cuomo said CSEA and management were at odds over a series of financial- and work-related issues.

PTAs Celebrated

Founder's Day

In 2005, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) celebrated its 108th birthday. "When the local community remembered the founders of the National PTA, they remembered more than a century of dedicated mothers, fathers, teachers and legislators who met a profound challenge: better the lives of children," Rosaleen Shea, co-president of the Floral Park-Bellerose PTA said.

Shea emphasized growth, a cornerstone of Floral Park-Bellerose School and a guiding principle in its March 1930 opening dedication. "Our founders' vision of the school reflected in its architecture was that of growth in its design," she continued. The Floral Park-Bellerose School PTA sponsored a garden on school grounds. Seed packets of flowers were presented to each student to extend the message of "growth" at home.

Founder's Day, Feb. 17, is a reminder of the substantial role that the PTA has played locally, regionally and nationally in supporting parent involvement and working on behalf of all children and families.

FP Police Received Grant

For Bulletproof Vests

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) awarded 12 Fourth Congressional District police departments, including Floral Park's, $280,142 in grants in fiscal year 2004. The Floral Park Police Department received $12,218 for the purchase of bulletproof vests.

"Since September 11, 2001, we have given our already overburdened police departments new responsibilities on the frontlines of the war on terror," Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said in making the announcement. "These grants will help our police officers do their jobs more safely and efficiently."

Greg Peterson Selected

County Executive Candidate

At a press conference at his home in East Meadow, Greg Peterson announced his bid for Nassau County executive. "As a father, homeowner, taxpayer and businessman in Nassau County, it is clear that our county is at a crossroads. People are being taxed out of their homes by county tax increases and by the debilitating effects of the hidden tax of reassessment," he said.

Peterson was critical of the Democratic majority of the legislature and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. "Since the Democrats took control of the county legislature in 2000 and were joined by Tom Suozzi in 2002, Nassau taxpayers have endured budget-busting tax increases at the county level," he said.

Suozzi, in his 2005 budget presentation, said, "We have balanced every budget. We have had surpluses each year. We have built 'rainy day' and other reserve funds of over $100 million. We have paid off over $100 million in debt early and we have received the stamp of approval from every independent analyst of the way we have conducted our financial affairs. In fact, we have achieved the lowest cash flow borrowing in over a decade."

Firefighters Battled Stubborn Oak Street House Fire

At 8:15 a.m. Feb. 9, Chief William Watts of the Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department responded to an investigation for wires burning on a pole in front of an Oak Street residence. Upon his arrival, the wire from the pole to 201 Oak Street had burnt through and was on the ground. Chief Watts checked the house as a precaution. Upon noticing a slight haze in the attached garage, he requested Fire Com to alert the Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department of a general alarm - all units were requested to respond.

As the department responded, the haze became more noticeable and a distinct burning odor was detected in the vicinity of the garage and the western side of the house. A stubborn and difficult-to-reach fire was burning in the garage's ceiling, extending to the second floor master bedroom and across the breezeway toward the kitchen. The garage, breezeway and second floor master bedroom suffered major damage as well as water and smoke damage throughout the dwelling.

FP Candidates Spoke Out

On Third Track Proposal

The Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) proposal to construct a 10.5 mile third track on the Main Line from Bellerose to Hicksville, which would run through the Village of Floral Park, reared its head in the campaigns of Unity and Citizens Party candidates in Floral Park.

Unity Party candidates Ralph Ratto (trustee), Hank Brodersen (mayor) and Bob Serpico (trustee) were concerned that current trustee and Citizens Party candidate Gerard Bambrick was on the Nassau County Planning Commission that made the policy recommendation (IV.21) that recommended the county support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA's) long range plans to construct a third operational track on the Main Line.

Trustee Bambrick said the Unity Party's three candidates, "although they claim to support the village board's efforts to oppose the project, have sought to create the appearance of division on the village board by recklessly, and falsely, implying that I support the MTA's proposal. To support their allegation, they point to three sentences in the Nassau County Comprehensive Plan."

Firefighter Memorial

Relocated Next to

Fire Headquarters

The Floral Park Fire Department Memorial was relocated from the front of the Floral Park Public Library to Floral Park Village Hall's lawn to bring the memorial next to Fire Headquarters. The memorial contains the bell that was installed in the tower of the original John Lewis Childs School on South Tyson Avenue and given to the fire department in 1965 by the school board.

New York Received 'F' on Megan's Law Report Card

Parents For Megan's Law, a not-for-profit child advocacy and Megan's Law watchdog group, released a study that graded the 50 states on the strength of their own Megan's Law. New York State earned an "F" grade, failing because of the poor way in which information regarding the whereabouts of potentially threatening sexual predators is disseminated.

Specifically, the survey evaluated a community's level of accessibility of sex offender registration information, the extent of information available and national participation in civil commitment laws. States received a letter grade based on the results of 10 questions. According to the Parent's For Megan's Law website, the national Megan's Law average and most occurring grade was "F" (58 percent).

Clavin to MTA:

It's Time To Come Clean

"It's time for the MTA to come clean on the filthy train stations across Nassau County," Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin demanded at a Feb. 11 press conference. "From rampant pigeon droppings and crumbling stairways to exposed electrical wiring, many local stations have evidenced unpleasant, unsafe and unsanitary conditions."

Every Nassau County resident pays taxes that are put toward station maintenance. Annually, Nassau County transmits money to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) for this purpose. Clavin wrote Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman and County Executive Tom Suozzi, asking that they withhold station maintenance payments to the MTA until conditions improve.

Jane Levine, Nassau County's chief deputy comptroller, responded to Clavin's letter, stating, "We agree that the LIRR is paying insufficient attention to the physical condition of its Nassau County stations ... Although our meetings resulted in some improvements, clearly much more needs to be done," she said.

Levine further noted that the New York State Public Authorities Law mandates that the county's annual contribution for LIRR station operation, maintenance and use be determined by a mathematical formula - not by the actual audited service provided by the MTA. "Unless the MTA agrees (or is forced to agree) to a change in this formula, the county must pay the statutorily mandated amount. Little would be accomplished by Nassau County withholding its mandated contribution to the MTA ... Should the county fail to pay the statutorily required annual contribution, the law provides that the state comptroller 'shall withhold an equivalent amount' from state aid," she explained.

Sewanhaka Central High School District Got

Online Makeover

The Sewanhaka Central High School District revamped its website to make information about the school district and its services easily accessible to the community. The new website now contains links to each of the district's five high schools, including Floral Park Memorial HS, Elmont Memorial HS, H. Frank Carey HS, New Hyde Park Memorial HS and Sewanhaka High School. In addition, the new website offers a parents' page, providing parents and guardians with information and forms related to their child's education; a district calendar with important dates to remember; district news, including updates on school delays or closings; and a listing of school board members along with links to various administrative departments. For more information, visit www.sewanhaka.k12.ny.us.

FP Masseur Accused of Sodomizing Client

A masseur from Floral Park was accused of sexually assaulting a client he was massaging at the Estee Lauder Spa on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset Feb. 11. According to Nassau County Detective Birdsall, Thomas Locascio, 57, allegedly sodomized a 50-year-old woman while massaging her in a private room. According to reports, during the course of the massage, Locascio allegedly assaulted the woman, who sat up and demanded he stop. He was charged with a third-degree criminal sexual act.

March

Candidates Vied to Become Floral Park Mayor

Phil Guarnieri was Citizens Party candidate for Floral Park mayor. A resident for more than 40 years, he hoped to succeed Mayor Ann Corbett, who did not seek re-election. A member of the board since 1995, Guarnieri won four successive trusteeships and served as deputy mayor since being appointed in 2001.

Henry (Hank) Brodersen was Unity Party candidate for Floral Park mayor. Born in Germany in 1940, he came to the United States in 1954 and attended John Lewis Childs School to learn English. He then went to Sewanhaka High School for the next year and a half and later graduated Bayside High School in 1958, where he was captain of the soccer team for two years. If elected, Brodersen, a founder of the Unity Party, promised to stop the scripted, closed-door, backroom politics and decision-making.

Candidates Vied for Two Open Trusteeships in

Floral Park

Gerry Bambrick was a Citizens Party candidate who sought re-election as village trustee. He was first elected to the board in March 2001.

Ralph Ratto was a Unity Party candidate for village trustee. He has lived in Floral Park for over 35 years, attending both Floral Park Memorial and Sewanhaka high schools.

Kevin Greene was a Citizens Party candidate who sought re-election as village trustee. He has served on the board since 1995. "Serving the residents of Floral Park has been an honor and I look forward to continue working with the village board and for the residents of the village," he said.

Robert Serpico was a Unity Party candidate for Floral Park village trustee. He has been a resident of Floral Park for more than 20 years.

CSEA Union Workers

Protested

With contract negotiations between the CSEA, the labor union that represents 105 employees working for Floral Park, and management at a standstill, Floral Park Department of Public Works (DPW) employees demanded better wages as they protested outside of their building March 3.

The two parties began talks in April 2004 but the CSEA declared an impasse with the state's Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). This moved the negotiating process to mediation, where a PERB-appointed mediator met with both parties in an attempt to hammer out a compromise agreement.

Approximately 30 employees, who had been working without a contract since May 31, 2004, chanted, "We want our money. That's what we want!"

FP Candidates Debated

Community Issues

Citizens Party candidates came face to face with Unity Party candidates hoping to unseat them in the March 2005 election during a debate March 3. Floral Park's four civic associations sponsored the event.

The debate kicked off with six-minute opening statements from mayoral candidates Henry "Hank" Brodersen of the Unity Party and then deputy mayor Phil Guarnieri of the Citizens Party. Three-minute opening statements followed from Robert Serpico and Ralph Ratto of the Unity Party and Trustees Kevin Greene and Gerry Bambrick of the Citizens Party. Lastly, residents heard closing statements from each candidate. The debate also offered residents the floor for the majority of the evening.

Clavin Announced

Candidacy for County

Comptroller

"Nassau taxpayers deserve a taxpayer watchdog, not a lapdog," Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin of Garden City said as he announced his candidacy for county comptroller March 2.

Clavin announced his intention to restore public trust in the Nassau comptroller's office as he stood in front of Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman's office in Mineola. The receiver of taxes handed out handcuffs as he discussed plans to "handcuff" what he described as the comptroller's wasteful spending and lackluster performance.

Evan Stavisky, political consultant and spokesperson for the Weitzman campaign, said, "Don Clavin's partisan, political attacks aren't surprising since he is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the discredited political machine that nearly drove Nassau County into bankruptcy. Howard Weitzman is the most independent comptroller in county history. He blew the whistle on fiscal and management problems at the county jail and other agencies. His audits and fiscal expertise have saved taxpayers millions."

Stewart Manor's Candidates For Mayor, Trustee, Justice

Joseph Troiano for Mayor

Incumbent Joseph Troiano was Village Party candidate seeking re-election as Stewart Manor mayor for his second four-year term. Prior to becoming mayor in April 2001, Troiano served as a trustee between November 2000 and March 2001.

John Egan for Trustee

John Egan was Village Party candidate seeking re-election as Stewart Manor trustee, a position he has held since 2001. He too, during his first term, focused greatly on quality of life issues.

Kristina Lynch for Trustee

Kristina Lynch was Village Party candidate seeking her first term as Stewart Manor trustee, replacing outgoing trustee for recreation, Kenneth Ruff. Lynch has resided in Stewart Manor since 1994 with her husband, Christopher, and their two children, Kyle and Cara.

Philip Milone for Village Justice

Philip Milone was a Unity Party candidate seeking his first full-term as Stewart Manor village justice, after completing the remainder of former Justice Joanne Chevallier's term. Members of the Village Party endorsed Milone.

Candidates Vied to Become Bellerose Village's Mayor

Sarah Jo Hamilton was Village Party candidate for Bellerose Village mayor. A resident of Bellerose Village for 28 years, Hamilton served as trustee for four years and as acting mayor since September 2004, filling out the remainder of Thomas Van Buskirk's term.

Donna Sherrer was Community Party candidate for Bellerose Village mayor. A resident of Bellerose Village for 25 years, Sherrer admitted she'd seen changes that did not always take a progressive direction.

Candidates Vied for

Bellerose Village Trustee

Ronald DeSouza was a Village Party candidate running unopposed for Bellerose Village trustee. A resident of Bellerose Village for more than 10 years, he served on the board for the past two years.

Mary O'Donoghue was a Village Party candidate running unopposed for Bellerose Village trustee. Also a resident of Bellerose Village for more than 10 years, she had been an acting trustee for six months, replacing Sarah Jo Hamilton when she became acting mayor.

Village Party candidates supported the following efforts in improving the quality of life in and around the Village of Bellerose: village infrastructure and aesthetic improvements based on a professionally prepared master plan; increased efforts to obtain federal and state grants to financially assist in the implementation of the master plan and other village projects; coordinated efforts against the LIRR "third track" project with Bellerose Terrace and Floral Park; investigating long-term improvements to the business district, including increased parking and aesthetic enhancements; working with the Bellerose Fire Department in obtaining federal and state funding for necessary firehouse infrastructure improvements; and working with the town and county to make the necessary road repairs to Superior Road.

South Floral Park's

Candidate for Trustee

Andrew Russac of Louis Avenue in South Floral Park sought re-election as a South Floral Park trustee. He ran unopposed. A resident since 1942, he is the former village trustee and village police justice and ex-chief of the fire department.

Charles Wang Discussed Lighthouse Project

Charles Wang, co-owner of the New York Islanders, admitted his Lighthouse project was not going to fix Long Island. He did, however, believe the ambitious plan would make Long Island a more attractive place to live, work, do business and raise a family. "We are hoping to give Long Island a swift kick in the butt as a catalyst to do something," Wang said.

The Lighthouse project proposes to transform the five-acre Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum - the second oldest arena in the National Hockey League - with new seating, widened and modernized concourses, a state-of-the-art sound system, video boards, additional washrooms, restaurants and bars and 50 new luxury suites. Moreover, the plan hopes to revamp the site's surrounding 72 acres, which currently make up a parking lot.

The project calls for a 50,000-square foot athletic complex with two ice surfaces, a basketball court and health club; the world's tallest lighthouse and Long Island's tallest building that will feature a five-star hotel, condominiums and an observatory deck; and the Plaza, a public performance and recreation space complete with an amphitheater, outdoor cafés, shops and restaurants, are also slated for construction.

Further, the property's existing exhibition hall will be renovated and expanded into the Island's largest conference center to host a broad range of events while a proposed Sport Technology Center will host organizations focused on all aspects of sports technology, including enhancing performance, health and rehabilitation.

Wang completed a Memorandum of Understanding with County Executive Tom Suozzi, who said the Lighthouse project could bring tremendous economic, cultural and social benefit to the Island.

Citizens Party Candidates Victorious in Village Election

To add to the suspense, a malfunctioning ballot machine held up election vote tallies in Floral Park March 15. The race to replace Mayor Ann Corbett, who, after serving on the board as either trustee or mayor for 16 years, did not seek re-election, and two open trustee seats had been in the news for months, culminating with a heated debate March 3.

Citizens Party mayoral candidate Phil Guarnieri, who received 2,381 votes, bested Unity Party mayoral candidate Hank Brodersen, who received 1,215 votes. Citizens Party incumbent trustees Kevin Greene and Gerard Bambrick received 2,419 and 2,370 votes respectively while Unity Party candidates Ralph Ratto and Robert Serpico received 1,180 and 1,187 respectively. Guarnieri's win resulted in an open trustee seat, which the board filled by appointment.

Bellerose Village Residents Elected New Mayor

Bellerose Village residents voted for change March 15, electing a new mayor to serve them for a two-year term. Community Party candidate Donna Sherrer received 205 votes while Village Party candidate incumbent mayor Sarah Jo Hamilton received 149 votes.

Sherrer, who's lived in the village for more than 25 years, noted, "The results of this election send out a clear signal that the residents of Bellerose Village are ready for a more fiscally responsible, open and forthright government."

Stewart Manor

Election Results

Incumbent Mayor Joseph Troiano, who ran unopposed, received 183 votes. Incumbent Trustee and Police Commissioner John Egan received 185 votes. Village Party newcomer Kristina Lynch, who replaced outgoing Recreation Trustee Kenneth Ruff, received 189 votes. Incumbent Village Justice Philip Milone, who sought his first full term after completing the remainder of former Village Justice Joanne Chevallier's term, received 160 votes.

South Floral Park

Election Results

Incumbent South Floral Park Trustee Andrew Russac received 42 votes in the March 15 election. He ran uncontested and is serving another three-year term in this capacity.

Mayor Corbett's

Final Days in Office

A standing ovation greeted Floral Park Mayor Ann Corbett as she reminisced about her 16 years serving on the board, the last four as mayor. Residents packed village hall to watch her preside over her last board meeting, although she still intended to meet with fellow board members to discuss village issues until her term officially expired.

"It has really been an honor for me to serve the Village of Floral Park ... I am overwhelmed with the appreciation and gratitude. I have been fortunate to have a family that has been very supportive of me," she said. "I never coined a slogan to identify my administration or any of the goals that I envisioned. My vision was simply to follow the example of past mayors and to continue the stewardship of Floral Park."

Former Mayor Ann Corbett Earned Pathfinder Award

Floral Park's first female mayor in the village's history, Ann Corbett, was among nine women Supervisor Kate Murray and members of the Hempstead Town board honored at the town's annual Pathfinder Awards ceremony March 22.

Mayor Corbett earned the 2005 Pathfinder Award in the category of community affairs. "Symbolizing the aspirations and achievements of a true Pathfinder, Ann Corbett was elected the first female mayor in the history of Floral Park four years ago," Supervisor Murray noted. "Indeed, Ann has been a pillar of the Floral Park community for over 35 years, ably assisting many civic, charity, volunteer and youth oriented projects. Graciously donating time and talent, she has proven an invaluable asset to many local groups and activities."

Grand Opening of 'Gallery @ 77' Made a Splash

On March 15 more than 20 pieces of artwork decorated the walls at Sewanhaka Central High School District's central administration building for the grand opening of "Gallery @ 77." Teachers, administrators and community members were captivated by the creative artwork as they strolled the corridors and enjoyed light refreshments.

Coordinated by Sandra Carrion, art coordinator for the Sewanhaka Central High School District and art teacher at New Hyde Park High School, the grand opening of "Gallery @ 77" celebrated the artwork of 22 students who were chosen by the district's 22 art teachers for their exceptional skills in art. Electric erasers, water colors, oil pastels and personal creativity were used in the collaboration of each piece of artwork.

"Tonight was a special night because it not only showcased the talent of our district's art students, but so many people from the district and community came to show their support," Carrion said. "We are very proud of our students and of our close-knit community."

For more information, visit www.sewanhaka.k12.ny.us.

Assembly Republicans Called For Empire Zone in Nassau

Long Island Assembly Republicans representing Nassau and Suffolk counties were united in calling for the creation of an Empire Zone in Nassau County. Several business leaders and members of local chambers of commerce joined the Assembly members to show support for their efforts.

Empire Zones, administered through the Empire State Development Corporation, provide business-friendly combinations of tax reductions, energy savings and other incentives to encourage businesses to locate or expand in New York and create jobs.

"Nassau County is surrounded by 13 Empire Zones. It's crucial we act on legislation now to ensure Nassau County residents and businesses have full access to the benefits available to them," Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell said. "This program has helped many communities throughout the state prosper by attracting businesses looking for certain incentives. Empire Zones aid local economies and have brought thousands of jobs to some areas, but Nassau County has been at a consistent disadvantage."

Schumer Proposed Tax

Credit for Volunteer

Firefighters, EMTs

Firefighters and EMTs from Roslyn to Montauk gathered outside the East Farmingdale firehouse March 31 to hear Senator Charles Schumer's tax credit proposal. Schumer's effort, the Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts, or SERVE Act, would offer active members of volunteer fire-fighting and EMS organizations a $1,000 tax credit. "These men and women are the best of America and we admire them," Schumer said.

Under the SERVE Act, any taxpayer who is a volunteer firefighter or EMS worker for the full year is entitled to a refundable tax credit of $1,000. If they work for part of the year, they are entitled to a pro-rated amount. According to Schumer, a refundable tax credit means that, if the credit exceeds their federal tax liability, they would receive the remainder as a tax refund. "It would be a couple of hundred bucks off on your taxes and that's money in your pocket," Schumer said.

Schumer was expected to introduce the bill in the Senate April 4.

April

Agreement Made to

Create History Museum

At Centennial Hall

Mayor Ann Corbett and Floral Park Historical Society President Walter Gosden signed an agreement to establish a local history museum in Floral Park. The Society's Museum Committee - Frank Gunther, Jeanne Petta, Peter Fleig and George Bowen and Gosden - moved forward with members of the Society to create a museum in Centennial Hall's Hearth Room on the second floor.

The Society is a nonprofit New York State chartered historical society. Both Village Historian Gosden and Mayor Corbett, a Society director, are founding members of the Historical Society. All donations to the Society are tax deductible. Donations of Floral Park historical memorabilia are welcomed. For more information, call Gosden at 354-0110.

Muralist Beautified

Floral Park's Tulip Avenue

"I'm a muralist. It's a great, satisfying business but the demand for large murals is few and far between," Mario Tucci (Tucci Home Designs) of Floral Park admitted. Taking classes and creating murals on canvas in his studio helped Tucci hone his skills as well as develop new skills. He came across a story on the Community Bridge in Fredrick, MD and had to go see it for himself. "It's magnificent!" he said, adding that it inspired him to use his down time to paint the town of Floral Park, where he currently lives.

Tucci offered low cost and free murals to businesses along the village's main strip, Tulip Avenue. His goal was to beautify his hometown inside and out in the hopes that Floral Park will gain some celebrity like Fredrick, MD. Tucci completed his first mural at Village Pizza on Tulip Avenue, near Associated. The owner of Village Pizza gave him permission to create three more. Tucci planned on looking for another establishment to beautify. Residents can view Tucci's work at www.muralsbymario.com.

Early Morning House Fire Erupted on Marshal Avenue

On Wednesday morning, April 6, the Floral Park Fire Department responded to an alarm of fire at 1:03 a.m. The alarm sounded as a house fire next to 137 Marshall Avenue. As the first units went on the road, they were notified that the Floral Park police were reporting a working house fire in progress. The fire was actually at 133 Marshall Avenue with flames visible from both Revere Drive and Covert Avenue. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and kept the fire damage to the outside wall of the home. New Hyde Park, Elmont and Stewart Manor provided mutual aid to assist and cover Floral Park in the event of another fire. Firefighters left the scene at 4:20 a.m.

Mayor Guarnieri Named

New Floral Park Trustee

Floral Park Mayor Phil Guarnieri named James Rhatigan to fill the village trustee position vacated by his election to mayor. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens Village, Rhatigan has lived in Floral Park for more than 26 years. He will serve in Mayor Guarnieri's unexpired term as trustee until March 2006, at which time he can run for election.

Alfano Hit 'School Aid

Grand Slam'

"On time and the biggest school aid package in New York State history," Assemblyman Tom Alfano declared as the budget was being passed on the floor of the state Assembly. According to Alfano, the school aid package portion of the budget shattered all records in school aid appropriation to the 21st Assembly District. In fact, it's the largest in New York State history for the area. "No doubt about it - this is a big win," he said.

Sewanhaka High School received an increase of $779,683 while Floral Park received an increase of $174,542. Elmont Union Free Schools received $1,442,299, Franklin Square received $300,635, West Hempstead received $160,811 and Valley Stream 13 received $619,743.

The new state budget was a direct outgrowth of the Assembly budget resolution that Alfano supported weeks prior. In the series of votes on the resolution, Alfano broke with party leaders and backed aid to schools, hospitals and higher education. "It was the right thing to do and special interests were defeated," he noted. The resolution also set the stage for negotiations over the final budget package that resulted in the first on-time budget in over 20 years.

Contractors Fatally

Electrocuted in

Scaffolding Accident

An unfortunate accident in Floral Park fatally electrocuted two contractors when scaffolding hit a power line April 7. The Floral Park Rescue Team revived both men; however, their injuries were so severe due to the electrocution they could not sustain life. A third man, a neighbor, received a shock while trying to rescue the men, according to reports. Medics checked him out at the scene; he refused hospital attention.

Neighbors said they heard a loud bang early in the evening. According to Floral Park Fire Department officials, who responded to the scene, the metal pump jack for the contractors' scaffolding equipment came in contact with a LIPA transmission line. Upon arrival, the fire department was able to remove the victims and secure the area.

Floral Park Fire Department Held Annual Elections

In April, the Floral Park Fire Department held its annual elections to elect new and returning fire officers - the men and women who spend countless hours attending to the training needs, budgetary concerns and the motivation that makes the five companies of the Floral Park Fire Department so vital to the village.

Active Company: 2nd Lieutenant Kevin Fogarty, Captain Brian Naughton, Chief Peter Bilardello, 1st Lieutenant Everett Ulmer and Treasurer Ed Fletcher and Secretary Frank Wakely Jr.

Hook & Ladder Company: Secretary Joe Derby, 2nd Lieutenant Matt Bakerski, Captain Mike Saville, 1st Assistant Chief Joseph O'Grady, 1st Lieutenant Dave Denkers and Treasurer Andrew Kosnicki.

Rescue Company: 2nd Assistant Chief Kevin Kelleher, 1st Lieutenant Ed Rothenberg, Captain David Fernandez, 2nd Lieutenant Patricia Luger and Treasurer Carol Ragona and Secretary Diane Fairben.

Alert Company: 1st Lieutenant Jim Tangredi, Captain James Dodson, 3rd Assistant Chief Frank Wakely Jr., 2nd Lieutenant Chris Corbett and Treasurer Dave Pickwick and Secretary Kevin Shanahan.

Reliance Company: Treasurer Randy Holmes, Secretary John Albertelli, 2nd Lieutenant Scott Strong, Captain Judy Walsh, 1st Lieutenant Larry Goerke, 4th Assistant Chief Richard Militello and existing Chief William Watts.

Balboni Successfully Fought For Local Village Funding

Senator Michael Balboni successfully fought for funding to benefit Bellerose, Floral Park and South Floral Park. The breakdown was as follows: Bellerose ($12,141), Floral Park ($16,915) and South Floral Park ($26,396). The funding was included in the state budget, which the Senate and Assembly passed. "Local governments are the backbone of our community and I want to make sure that our villages get their fair share," Senator Balboni said.

Occupants Escaped Raging Gladiolus Avenue House Fire

At approximately 9:15 p.m. Wednesday evening, April 13, the Floral Park Fire Department was alerted to an alarm for a house fire at 22 Gladiolus Avenue. Once Chief Watts signed on the air, Nassau County Firecom notified him that he was responding to a working house fire.

As fire units approached the scene, flames could be seen from as far away as Rose and Childs Avenues. Fortunately all occupants had already exited the house and were not injured. Both Active and Reliance Engine Companies worked hose lines and performed an aggressive attack on the fire while Hook & Ladder Company vented the roof and searched the building for life and fire extension.

Mutual aid units were called to the house fire from Elmont for a FAST Team and New Hyde Park for a second Hook &Ladder truck. Other mutual aid units were called in to standby at Floral Park headquarters in case of another fire. These units included an engine from Elmont and New Hyde Park, an ambulance from Stewart Manor and a Hook & Ladder truck from Franklin Square.

Murray Dubbed Assessor's

Income Tax Proposal

'Recipe for Fiscal Chaos'

At a press conference held in front of the Garden City Post Office April 15, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray voiced strong opposition to County Assessor Harvey Levinson's proposal to implement a Nassau County income tax.

"Today people are lining up at post offices around the country to pay federal and state income taxes," she said. "If the county tax assessor has his wish, Nassau residents will be lining up on April 15 next year to pay federal, state and county income taxes. Does Nassau County really want the dubious distinction of being the only county in the state to have a local income tax?"

Levinson, to Supervisor Murray's surprise, showed up at the press conference. He rebutted the supervisor's accusations, stating that he was not proposing a Nassau County income tax but rather proposing that a state-commissioned committee study the feasibility of eliminating the residential school property tax and replacing it with a modest income tax.

OEM Conducted Largest

Terrorism Exercise in

County's History

Initially dispatched as a mass casualty incident at South and Washington Avenues in the early morning hours of April 17, numerous emergency agencies across the county made their way to the scene - the Nassau County Supreme Courthouse.

Additional information indicated a problem in the building. A fatal chemical released into the air claiming dozens of "victims," including local Boy Scouts who lay "nauseous, dizzy and unconscious" on the front lawn when local police, fire and EMS workers rushed to the scene.

The Office of Emergency Management conducted the mock disaster, dubbed Operation Unity, to demonstrate how multiple agencies, primarily first responders, communicate and manage a disaster. The MIS/WMD (Mass Casualty Incident/Weapons of Mass Destruction) drill proved to be the largest terrorism exercise in the county's history.

"A training exercise like this will allow us to continue to enhance our ability to respond to medical emergencies and disasters, including terrorist attacks," County Executive Tom Suozzi said.

Floral Park Community

Remembered Ralph Amato

A community remembered a loving husband and father who gave so much to Floral Park's youth during an April 15 dedication ceremony appropriately held where the late Ralph Amato spent so much of his time. A plaque bearing his name was placed on a memorial wall located along the path at the entrance of the village's Recreation Center.

Mr. Amato was very much involved with the village's roller hockey program, even helped get it started with friends Dennis LaValle, Cliff Tatum, Perry Vella, John Telfer, Ken Meyfohrt and Rachel Penteck, among others. He served as the program's president for four years and was also active in Floral Park baseball and soccer. He even played softball and touch football in town. But his life was more than just athletics. Mr. Amato was the architect of Floral Park's website, www.fpvillage.org. He taught computer classes at Floral Park-Bellerose School on Saturdays and raised money for cancer patients at Sloan Kettering.

Mr. Amato, 44, died Sept. 29, 2004. Perhaps his friend, Tony Montanaro, summed it up best: "Ralph touched the heart, mind and soul of everyone he met. Hundreds upon hundreds of people paid their respects at his wake. He was just one of those guys."

While Training, Firefighters Called to Raging Brush Fire

Saturday, April 16, was a busy day for Floral Park Fire Department volunteers. Firefighters participated in a large-scale training exercise in the Carlton Avenue parking field and while there, were dispatched to battle a raging brush fire. The morning started at 7:30 a.m. with the beginning of a First Battalion training session. At approximately 10:15 a.m. the department was dispatched to a brush fire along the railroad tracks.

Upon arrival chiefs realized this was no small brush fire and all the fire equipment from the First Battalion drill was put into action along the railroad's Main Line to extinguish many raging brush fires. Flames behind the Floral Park Recreation Center were over 30 feet high and the center had to be evacuated.

A freight train had just passed over the Main Line and set off several brush fires from Mineola to Jamaica station where the train was brought to a halt. The small breeze that was blowing Saturday quickly spread the fire and fed the fire the oxygen it needed to survive.

Mayor Guarnieri:

Tentative Budget Both

Sound and Realistic

Completing what Mayor Phil Guarnieri described as a "painstaking and laborious process," the board of trustees presented Floral Park's 2005-06 tentative operating budget of $19,511,584 during a hearing April 13. Trustees reserved decision that evening but later adopted the budget, without changes, at the April 19 board of trustees meeting.

Sewanhaka Central High School District Went Virtual

On Monday, April 11, the Sewanhaka Central High School District unveiled its Virtual Education Academy (VEA). The burgeoning cost of adhering to state mandates in homebound education and the less-than-optimal results for students led the district to seek a 21st century solution through the use of technology.

Fourteen students representing all five of the district's high schools took their first steps into cyber education supported by certified district teachers and a guidance counselor. Under this pilot program, students who are unable to participate in a regular classroom for an extended period of time report to a single district site. Customized web-based curriculum in English, math, science and social studies is delivered via computer and supported by certified Sewanhaka teachers in a small group setting. Classes operate from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, contact the district at 488-9800 or visit www.sewanhaka.k12.ny.us.

Murray, Clavin Conducted Railroad Survey at FP Station

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin visited local train stations to distribute and collect station surveys from concerned residents. The surveys focused on the cleanliness and maintenance at stations across the township. Floral Park Mayor Phil Guarnieri joined them at the Floral Park station.

In visiting various stations, the supervisor and receiver of taxes found crumbling platforms, decaying stairways, falling concrete, litter-strewn stations and rampant pigeon droppings. "Residents throughout our township have expressed extreme dismay over the condition of the railroad stations," Murray said. "We will be meeting with the MTA to convey the station maintenance surveys to the authority and to demand that the concerns of residents be addressed."

Hempstead Town called upon MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow to reduce the annual bill to Nassau residents based on a variety of factors.

Floral Park Fire

Chiefs Sworn In

Floral Park Volunteer Fire Chief William Watts presented his annual report to the board of trustees April 19. Board members then took the opportunity to praise him for a job well done.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Greene, fire commissioner, thanked Chief Watts for his 28 years of service to the department. "If ever there was a task to accomplish, Bill was always the first in line," he said. Fire Commissioner Greene also thanked the chief's family for "allowing him to be a part of the fire department family." Chief Watts received a standing ovation as Mayor Guarnieri presented him with the ex-Chief's Badge.

Mayor Phil Guarnieri administered the oath of office to the Floral Park Fire Department's newest chief, Peter Bilardello and his staff, 1st Assistant Chief Joseph O'Grady, 2nd Assistant Chief Kevin Kelleher, 3rd Assistant Chief Frank Wakely and 4th Assistant Chief Richard Militello. Following their swearing-in, Fire Commissioner Greene presented them with their badges.

May

FP-Bellerose School District Proposed Budget

The proposed Floral Park-Bellerose Elementary School District budget for 2005-06 totaled $22,084,492, a 5.64 percent increase when compared to last year's $20,905,210 budget.

As reflected on the district's website, members of the board of education stated this year's proposed budget had been prepared with the goal of "providing a continued quality educational experience for all children." It had also been prepared to be as "cost conscious as possible."

In 2004-05, a contingent budget had to be adopted because residents voted down numbers the district originally proposed. As a result, no buses were purchased and no new capital projects begun. Student fees were increased for several activities, including the summer music program and the Greenkill Outdoor Environmental Education Program, no new computers were purchased and the use of the district's fields and facilities by various community groups had to be restricted. This year's budget aimed to restore some of the necessary cuts made the prior year and eliminate expenses associated with the use of district fields and facilities by the community.

Villages Received Money for

Infrastructure Improvements

Through successful budget negotiations, increases in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding made its way to local communities in the 21st Assembly District, including the Villages of Bellerose, Floral Park, South Floral Park and Stewart Manor, according to Assemblyman Tom Alfano.

"This funding helps our local governments pave roads and make street repairs in neighborhoods throughout our communities," Assemblyman Alfano said. "I'm real pleased that I was able to deliver more funding this year to help local taxpayers."

South Floral Park Mayor Angel Soto added, "CHIPS funding helps our village keep up with maintenance of our roads and make needed repairs."

Under the 2005 state budget plan, the new allocations for CHIPS funding were as follows: Village of Bellerose ($12,198); Village of Floral Park ($107,844); Village of South Floral Park ($9,913); and Village of Stewart Manor ($14,482).

North Bellerose

Welcome Sign Unveiled

The North Bellerose Civic Association joined Senator Frank Padavan in the unveiling of a new "Welcome to North Bellerose" sign, marking the entryway to the northern community of the three that make up Bellerose.

Sewanhaka District Officials Presented Proposed Budget

At a public hearing May 3, Sewanhaka Central High School District officials presented the proposed 2005-06 $126,501,634 budget, with a 6.8 percent increase in expenditures and a 6.2 percent tax levy increase, which was the smallest percentage increase in expenditures in the past three years and the smallest tax levy increase in recent budget history.

The 2004-05 budget of $119,145,556, the last one under former Superintendent Dr. George Goldstein, who retired after 19 years, failed by 397 votes; 2,495 residents passed it while 2,892 residents voted it down.

Clean-up Project Addressed FP Bridges, Overpasses

Assemblyman Tom Alfano was successful in delivering a comprehensive clean-up project of local bridges and overpasses in Floral Park, Elmont, North Valley Stream and West Hempstead. The assemblyman helped secure $400,000 for the clean-up project.

"This will be a comprehensive clean-up project that will not only help maintain the bridges and overpasses in the community, but it will remove graffiti and trash on the cement and walls of the passes," he said.

The funding came from the newly enacted state budget, which the assemblyman supported just weeks prior of this announcement.

VaSean's Law Unanimously Passed Assembly

Standing with two heroic mothers and a young boy who was a victim of a drunk driver, Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced that the Assembly unanimously passed VaSean's Law, which significantly strengthens New York laws that punish drunk drivers who kill or seriously injure other people while driving. Alfano joined forces in a bipartisan coalition with Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin and Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn in sponsoring and passing the landmark measure. Senators Serf Maltese and Toby Stavisky sponsored the legislation in the Senate.

Monique Dixon, the mother of VaSean Phillip Alleyne, watched the unanimous vote take place on the floor of the Assembly. A drunk driver killed Dixon's son, VaSean, in 2004. Standing by her side was Diana Reyes whose son, Angel, was critically injured in the crash that took VaSean's life. The two mothers have been on a crusade since their sons were struck by a drunk driver whose blood alcohol content was .13 (the legal limit is .08). Since that time, the parents collected over 10,000 signatures and lobbied legislators to change state laws regarding drunk drivers.

"The passage of VaSean's Law is a powerful and moving testament to the will of all victims and families of drunk drivers," Assemblyman Alfano said. "VaSean's killer couldn't be charged with a felony under the old law. It was a disgrace. With this new law, the drunk driver will be charged and justice will finally be served."

Local School Budgets Passed

Floral Park-Bellerose School District

In May, residents passed Floral Park-Bellerose School District's proposed $22,084,492 budget, a 5.64 percent increase when compared to the prior year's $20,905,210 budget. The voting broke down as follows: 1,646 residents voted yes while 870 voted no.

Further, 1,941 residents voted for Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education Trustee John O'Donoghue, who ran unopposed. On Super Tuesday, May 17, residents were also asked to cast their vote for a five-year Transportation Bond Anticipation Note, which replaced 20-year-old buses with three 66-passenger buses and two mini buses. The voting broke down as follows: 1,380 voted in favor of the bond while 891 voted no. Because the bond passed, the expenditure budget was reduced by $162,000.

Elmont School District

Residents also passed the Elmont School District's proposed $58,023,082 spending plan for the 2005-2006 school year, which represented a 5.54 percent increase in spending over the 2004-2005 year. The voting broke down as follows: 1,262 residents voted yes while 827 voted no. School board president Aubrey Phillips (1,407 votes), who ran unopposed, was re-elected; and Elsie Meckenbourg-Guibert (1,149 votes), who ran unopposed, was also elected. Stewart Manor encompasses this school district.

Sewanhaka School District

In the Sewanhaka Central High School District, residents passed a $126,501,634 budget with a 6.8 percent increase in expenditures and a 6.2 percent tax levy increase over the 2004-2005 budget. The voting broke down as follows: 4,186 residents voted yes while 3,802 voted no. Floral Park Memorial High School, Sewanhaka High School, Elmont Memorial High School, H. Frank Carey High School and New Hyde Park Memorial High School encompass the Sewanhaka Central High School District.

Bellerose Man Shot in Search For Bank Robber

An investigation in Floral Park ended in gunfire as police shot whom they believed to be responsible for a dozen bank robberies across the county. Nassau County Bureau of Special Operations members as well as Robbery Squad detectives were conducting an investigation May 18 in Floral Park when they observed a beige Toyota Camry parked on Hinsdale Avenue. Officials believed the vehicle matched the description of a getaway car used in numerous robberies committed. When detectives approached the Camry, they noticed a handgun in the front seat and an occupant they believed fit the description of a suspect they'd been in pursuit of.

When detectives approached the vehicle, 24-year-old Parvez Bal of Bellerose allegedly tried to run them down and flee the scene. Police fired a number of rounds at the driver's side door, striking the defendant.

Floral Park police officers apprehended Bal, after a brief struggle. Bal's injuries were not serious and he was transported to Winthrop-University Hospital. He was charged with attempted murder of a police officer. No officers were injured during the incident.

Mayor Guarnieri Declared 'EMS Week' in Floral Park

Prior to the May 17 board of trustees meeting, Mayor Phil Guarnieri and fellow trustees presented a proclamation to the Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department in recognition of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week (May 15-21). Annually, the Floral Park Fire Department responds to 1,200 calls; approximately 900 of these are rescue calls.

"It is obvious the contribution these individual members make to our community," Mayor Guarnieri said. "It is appropriate to recognize these volunteers for their meritorious service to our community and proclaim May 15-21, 2005 Emergency Medical Services Week in Floral Park."

Touching Tribute for a

Mayor Who Made History

More than 300 family members, friends and local dignitaries attended a testimonial dinner held at the Floral Terrace in honor of former Floral Park Mayor Ann Corbett.

"Floral Park is the place where it has been an honor to serve as mayor; the place where it was easy to make history and love every minute of it; the place and the only place for me to call home. Thank you. God bless all of you and all of the residents and God bless Floral Park," Corbett said.

County Executive Announced Bid for Re-election

Saying that the county had moved beyond the dark days of crisis, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced his run for re-election. Suozzi, a Democrat who was elected four years ago to the post that was held for three decades by the Nassau GOP, was opposed by challenger, Republican Greg Peterson.

"Over four years ago we stood before you and told you of the mismanagement, the patronage, the deficits and the machine politics that had brought Nassau County to the brink of bankruptcy. I told you that we could, with your help, solve the fiscal crisis in Nassau County," Suozzi said May 22, in front of numerous supporters on the steps of the County Court Building in Mineola. The county executive criticized the Nassau Republican Party, which he held responsible for creating the fiscal mess that existed in Nassau County.

The Peterson campaign had been critical of Suozzi for raising taxes 19.4 percent in his first budget as county executive. Peterson spokesman Rick Belyea questioned whether the county received its bond upgrades on the backs of the taxpayers. Further, the Petersen team also believed the county executive should stop blaming the prior administration for the county's financial problems.

Levinson Announced

Bid for Supervisor's Seat

As he officially announced his bid for Hempstead Town supervisor, County Assessor Harvey Levinson promised supporters they'd have a loud voice if he took the reins. His main reason for running was simple: property taxes in Nassau County, particularly the Town of Hempstead, are out of control. "Today is our day. Today we begin to fight to take back our town," the Garden City resident exclaimed to rousing applause.

Murray Kicked Off

Re-Election Campaign

At a podium in front of the Levittown Veterans Memorial Park in her hometown, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray announced her bid for re-election. She said she wanted to build upon a "legacy of solid finances and top notch services."

"We show the highest level of respect for our taxpayers, giving residents real value for their tax dollar," Murray, who became the first woman elected to the position of supervisor in Hempstead Town's history, said. She was appointed in January of 2003 and officially elected to the position in November of that year.

South Floral Park Hosted

Annual Armed Forces

Day Ceremony

By Jacquie Rath

On Saturday, May 21, South Floral Park held its 15th annual Armed Forces Day Ceremony. Deputy Mayor Ingram chaired the event, which was attended by a number of elected officials, including South Floral Park Mayor Angel Soto, Legislator John Ciotti and Councilman Ed Ambrosino. A representative from County Executive Tom Suozzi's office was also on hand for the commemoration.

Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. According to the United States Department of Defense website, "the single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department - the Department of Defense." The day is designed to unify the different branches of the military and is intended to be a day of appreciation and remembrance.

Water Authority Board

Approved 3.81 Percent

Rate Increase

At its May 23 meeting, the board of directors of the Water Authority of Western Nassau County approved a 3.81 percent increase in water rates after approving the 2005-06 operating and capital plans. This rate increase, which went into effect June 1, was required to provide the revenue necessary to offset increases in power, chemical and insurance costs.

The quarterly bill for the minimum use customer increased from $20.68 to $21.47. Average annual residential charges (based on average of 109,400 gallons per year) increased from $229 to $238. Average annual commercial charges (based on 481,200 gallons per year) increased from $934 to $970. The annual rate charge per fire hydrant increased from $500 to $519. This was the first rate increase imposed since the Water Authority began operations in May 1996 and came after reducing rates, along with other subsidies, by 65 percent from rates last charged by the Authority's predecessor.

June

McCarthy Called for Ban of .50 Caliber Sniper Rifle

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy joined with State Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington and members of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence to call for the passage of state and federal legislation to ban the .50 Caliber Sniper Rifle.

"We must change our pre-9/11 gun laws to stop terrorists from legally obtaining weapons of mass destruction like the .50 Caliber Sniper Rifle," McCarthy said. "We saw the devastation terrorists can create armed with only boarding passes and box cutters and yet we have done nothing to prevent anyone, even those on terrorist watch lists, from obtaining weapons designed to shoot down airplanes. It's time to listen to common sense and ban the .50 Caliber Sniper Rifle."

Stowaway's Leg Fell

From JFK-Bound Plane

In what Nassau police dubbed an unusual incident, a human leg, with hip and spine attached, landed in the backyard of a Louis Avenue home in South Floral Park Tuesday, June 7. To homeowner Pamela Hearne's surprise, the leg, which fell from a plane preparing to land at John F. Kennedy Airport, crashed through her detached garage and bounced to the ground.

According to reports, a stowaway appeared to have been lodged in the wheel well compartment of Flight 203, South African Airlines, heading here from Johannesburg early that morning. When the plane landed at approximately 7 a.m., a customs agent discovered more remains, including the victim's other leg, still hanging out of the plane's wheel well.

Bellerose Village Joined

Coalition to Halt

LIRR Project

Bellerose Village residents formed a unified front June 6 during a village hall meeting to voice grave concern for the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) Main Line Corridor Improvements Project, which, among other things, intends to install a third track to the Main Line, which runs parallel to Superior Road.

Bellerose Village Mayor Donna Sherrer urged residents to distribute "Stop the Third Track" fliers to friends and neighbors, sign petitions and take part in a letter-writing campaign to elected officials opposing the project. She also encouraged them to attend the LIRR's scoping meetings June 14 at Jericho Terrace, June 16 at Floral Terrace and June 21 at Antun's in Hicksville.

Suozzi Toured Neighborhoods with Community Leaders

During a bus tour County Executive Tom Suozzi held for the communities of Floral Park, South Floral Park, Bellerose and Bellerose Terrace June 8, local dignitaries, residents, business owners and community and civic leaders brought troubled spots to his attention.

The county executive sought the input in order to shape the future of those communities to prepare for what he's dubbed "New Suburbia." The tour, which preceded a public meeting later that evening at Floral Park Memorial High School, was the 34th - out of a total of 35 - economic development meetings Suozzi has held throughout Nassau.

"How do we grow in a way that makes sense for our future but doesn't ruin our lives?" Suozzi asked. "The only way to talk about this is to have a conversation, community by community, as to what the problems are and then try to figure out a plan for the future."

The tour, which kicked off in Floral Park, made its way through South Floral Park and Bellerose Village and later Bellerose Terrace, an unincorporated area.

Villages Formed Unified Front Against Third Track Proposal

The message was loud and clear. Residents living along the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) 11.5-mile Main Line Corridor did not - and still don't - want a third or fourth or fifth track installed. They do however, welcome the elimination of on-grade crossings in New Hyde Park (Covert Avenue, 12th Street and New Hyde Park Road), Westbury (School Street) and New Cassel (Urban Avenue) and believe that phase of the LIRR's highly controversial Main Line Corridor Improvements Project should be tackled now.

In order to collect input from local communities for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the LIRR held scoping meetings June 14 at Jericho Terrace in Mineola, June 16 at Floral Terrace in Floral Park and June 21 at Antun's in Hicksville. Residents and elected officials alike - from several of the nine villages to be affected by the project - urged that the MTA/LIRR derail the third track proposal altogether. Comments from all three scoping meetings were to be entered into a project record. Visit www.mta.info/mta/planning/mainline for more project information.

Maureen O'Connell Sought County Clerk's Position

Stating that she wanted "to help ensure that the county residents are served by government leaders who understand that higher taxes and higher fees are not the answer to every challenge the county faces," Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell declared her candidacy for Nassau County clerk at a news conference in Mineola.

"I am running because I love public service and serving my fellow residents. I believe I have compiled an excellent record of constituent service while in the Assembly and this office provides me with an opportunity to expand on the record," O'Connell stated.

Former county clerk, Karen Murphy, a Republican, did not seek re-election.

Senate Acted on Legislation to Strengthen Megan's Law

Ten years after the enactment of legislation creating New York State's Sex Offender Registry, the New York State Senate acted on the 10th Anniversary Omnibus Sex Offender Registration Reform Act.

The bill (S.4793-B) would strengthen Megan's Law in 25 ways, including mandatory notification by police when a registered sex offender moves into a community, lifetime registration of all sex offenders, requiring information about all levels of sex offenders to be posted on the Internet and GPS monitoring for the worst offenders.

The legislation was the result of three public hearings held by the Senate Majority in Albany, Long Island and Brooklyn. Law enforcement officials, teachers, school officials, parents and advocates participated in the hearings to discuss a variety of issues surrounding sex offenders and Megan's Law. Megan's mother, Maureen Kanka, who partnered with Senator Skelos in 1995 to champion the passage of Megan's Law in both houses of the Legislature, spoke at the first hearing in Albany.

Historical Thoroughfare

Regained Its Identity

An historical thoroughfare regained its identity after New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed into law legislation that renamed a portion of Jamaica Avenue (Route 25) between the Cross Island Parkway in Bellerose and 257th Street in Floral Park, Jericho Turnpike, erasing confusion that has existed for decades.

Bellerose residents welcomed the street name change during a press conference with City Councilman David Weprin of Hollis, who sponsored the long-awaited legislation. The north side of the stretch of road (formerly Jamaica Avenue) is located in New York City while the south side is located in Nassau County (Jericho Turnpike).

During a public meeting on local laws, Mayor Bloomberg noted that the name change ended confusion that existed since 1920 when the north side of Jericho Turnpike was renamed Jamaica Avenue, creating the only street in New York State divided down the centerline by two names.

Residents Protested LIRR's Track Expansion Project

A crowd of some 200 local residents, many of whom showed up with homemade signs and paraded outside of the Floral Terrace, attended the Metropolitan Transit Authority/Long Island Rail Road's (MTA/LIRR) second of three scoping meetings June 16 in Floral Park. They came out in full force to oppose the railroad's plans to install an additional track from Queens Village to Hicksville, which would travel through Floral Park, Bellerose and other local communities along the Main Line Corridor.

During the June 16 afternoon session (4-6 p.m.), 46 speakers opposed the expansion while two people favored it, citing additional freight traffic is in fact desirable. The evening session (7-9 p.m.), with standing room only, heard 50 speakers talk in opposition and one who favored the proposal. The majority of speakers, however, favored the elimination of on-grade rail crossings, including three in New Hyde Park, as a separate project.

Class of 2005 Graduated

FP Memorial, Sewanhaka

Both Floral Park Memorial High School and Sewanhaka High School graduated its Class of 2005!

Assembly Republicans Launched Drive for

Civil Confinement Law

Assembly Republicans launched a petition drive to help get a civil confinement law passed in New York State. They rallied at a June 27 press conference in Mineola. The legislation has passed the Senate for years and Assembly Republicans were confident Governor George Pataki would sign the bill into law once it passed his desk.

The legislation, Assembly Bill No. A.2693, extends greater protection to the public by establishing procedures to civilly confine persons who have committed acts of sexual violence and are likely to re-offend. It also establishes a procedure for identifying a "sexual violent predator," defined as a person who has committed a sexually violent offense and who suffers from a mental abnormality.

Through the petition drive, Assembly Republicans hoped to put pressure on their Democratic colleagues to get the legislation to the Assembly floor for a vote. They also urged passage of the following proposals to strengthen Megan's Law: prevent convicted sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school or school grounds (A.1654); require the most dangerous sex offenders to wear electronic devices linked to Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites in order to monitor their whereabouts (A.8158); expand the information available about sex offenders on the Division of Criminal Justice Services' website to include information on all (not just Level 3) registered sex offenders (A.1701); require law enforcement officials release information on Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders - those at the highest risk of committing additional crimes - to vulnerable populations in the community (A.1654); and require lifetime registration for all sex offenders on the New York State Sex Offender Registry.

Mirza Announced

Candidacy for Third L.D.

Expressing concern that residents and businesses were leaving the Third Legislative District, Ali Mirza of Elmont announced his candidacy for legislator at a June 27 press conference. "People cannot afford to live here and are fed up with the quality of life going down, rather than up. We have issues that vary from street cleaning, noise, and parking to safety, security and teenagers hanging out aimlessly," Mirza said.

The Third District encompasses Elmont, North Valley Stream, Valley Stream, Franklin Square, South Floral Park, Bellerose Terrace and portions of West Hempstead.

Dr. Palandra Left Elmont with Sense of Accomplishment

In her time in the Elmont School District, which encompasses Stewart Manor, Dr. Maria Palandra was more than just the school superintendent she was a fixture in the community, a leader and symbol of Elmont. Earning the respect of the community, Dr. Palandra felt she accomplished all her goals and the time to move on had come.

"I really feel I have, individually and professionally, given my best to the district. The district has reciprocated that. I found from the first day I came to Elmont I had a sense of family. I felt that people were very kind and I'm leaving with the same sense almost 25 years later," she said in the waning days for her tenure, which ended June 30.

Dr. Palandra spent a quarter of a century in Elmont with the last seven and a half years as school superintendent. During that time, she was faced with many challenges, which came in many forms.

July

Grand Jury Indicted Masseur Accused of Improper Conduct

Then Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon announced that a grand jury indicted Thomas Locascio, 57, of Floral Park for criminal sexual act in the third degree, a Class E felony; sexual misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor; and four counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor.

According to Dillon, "While working as an employee of the Estee Lauder Spa, located at 2110 Northern Boulevard in Manhasset, Locascio sodomized one woman and improperly touched a second female victim. The two women (on separate occasions) were getting massages from Locascio. Locascio was arrested February 23, 2005 by the Nassau County Police Department."

Alfano Joined Rally for Removal of Remains from Garbage Dump

Assemblymen Tom Alfano and families of 9/11 victims held a rally on the front steps of New York State's Capitol to urge the legislature to pass legislation protecting and honoring the remains of victims of the World Trade Center attack.

Joining Alfano and Karben were Assemblymembers Andrew Hevesi, Mike Gianaris, Thomas Zebrowski and Vincent Ignizio and Senator Tom Morahan. Families throughout the state whose loved ones were lost that tragic day also attended. Alfano and Karben held the rally to bring to light the plight of hundreds of families who are trying to get a proper burial for their loved ones.

The ash from the World Trade Center site, which contains the remains of hundreds of never identified victims, has been held at the Fresh Kill Landfill, a 2,200-acre garbage dump. The families of the victims advocated for the removal of the remains from the landfill.

"We have to do the right thing for the families," Alfano noted. "The way it stands now is a total disgrace. No family member should have to go through this. Visit a loved one at a landfill? No way. We have to change this and change it now. The legislature has to act and act now."

Alfano and Karben were sponsors of legislation in the Assembly requiring protection and eventual transport of the ash to a suitable site to be determined by the governors of New York and New Jersey to become a part of a memorial that will be built in their honor. In the Senate, Morahan was the sponsor of the measure.

Levinson Called on Fire Departments, Police Precincts

Nassau County Board of Assessors Chairman Harvey Levinson, called upon all fire departments and police precincts to utilize a standardized emergency response report to notify the department of assessment of unsafe living conditions caused by the illegal conversion of single-family homes to boarding or rooming houses when answering calls for service. Levinson stated that once the egregious violations were confirmed, the illegal boarding or rooming houses would be reclassified from residential property to commercial property for taxation purposes. On average, the commercial property tax rate is two-and-a-half times higher than the residential rate.

O'Connell Demanded Action on Civil Confinement Laws

Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell reminded residents of the 17th Assembly District that petitions for the Assembly Republican statewide campaign to force Assembly Democrats to act on civil confinement legislation and other measures that further protect New York's children from dangerous sexual predators were available at every library in the district.

Civil confinement allows judges to order the worst sex offenders held in secure mental health facilities beyond their prison release dates if, upon evaluation, there is significant reason to believe they may strike again. "The signed petitions will be sent to Assembly Democrats," she said, "so they realize New Yorkers are concerned and want to keep violent sex offenders off the streets by persuading them to take action on civil confinement legislation."

FP Native Make-up Artist Featured in Exhibit

Hundreds of films - some classics, some forgotten - have been shot on Long Island locations or have taken this region as their setting. A summer exhibition at The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook took a close-up look at the 90-year history of this enterprise. Lights! Camera! Action! Long Island in the Movies was on view at the museum.

The work of Oscar-winning make-up artist and Floral Park native John Caglione, Jr., whose client list includes Al Pacino, Dennis Quaid and many more, was explored near the end of the exhibition. In 2004, Caglione earned himself an Emmy Award, which joins his Oscar, British Academy award and Science Fiction film award - all for which he won in 1990 for Best Makeup in the film Dick Tracy. Other credits of Caglione's include Mona Lisa Smile, For the Boys, Heat, The Recruit, Donnie Brasco, Stay starring Ryan Gosling and Hide and Seek starring Robert DeNiro.

Caglione is the son-in-law of Ellen Kelly and the late Michael Kelly of Floral Park, also uncle to Lisa and Neil Kelly of Floral Park. For more information, visit Caglione's website at www.johncaglionejr.com.